Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9) I love the good news, because among other things it is about bringing things together. The thing about sin is that it brings death and everything leading to death which usually involves deterioration, division, dissolving and the degradation of that which […]
Read More Say What You See: Bridge BuildersPeace is a precious thing to treasure. By peace, I’m not referring to that sense of quiet you prefer to have if the children have been screaming all day, and the spouse has been nagging about something or other. Peace does not necessarily mean the absence of noise. God’s peace is profound and deep. It […]
Read More How To Lose The PeaceI heard a saying that said with Christ in the vessel you can smile at the storm. Not taking away from what’s reassuring in the sentiment, there is something missing. When Jesus was on a boat in a storm, He didn’t expect His disciples to smile at it. He expected them to calm it. That’s […]
Read More Keeping It CalmCharlie and the Chocolate Factory. Two versions of the film available but my favourite remains the one with Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka. Other than the Oompah-Loompahs, the most memorable part is when Wonka opens up the factory and invites the chosen few to ‘hold their breath, count to three’ and enter a world of […]
Read More Kingdom ImaginationOne of the instructions Jesus gives to those he sends out is to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. I’ve always been intrigued by this instruction. Having the savvy to deal with the ways of the world is certainly evident. People are as prone to acts of deceit as they are to kindness. […]
Read More GuilelessRecently I wrote a glowing tribute to thanksgiving, rating the activity as something admirable and worth enjoying. In the interests of fairness, and because as timing has it, after I was so happy, I was sent to a significant low, it’s worth sharing how I celebrate God in bad times. Sometimes events appear to conspire […]
Read More Celebrating God In Bad TimesA few years ago I wrote about Greater Is He with the Crabb Family music video of the same name. I love how music is a great source that helps remind me of spiritual truths. I need the reminding as well – something I wrote about in the older piece. On this occasion it was […]
Read More GreaterI have heard the saying ‘be part of the solution and not the problem’. It’s a good line. It’s a fine line to mention when people want to complain and moan about situations. Reflecting on it today, though, I was lead to what Jesus said in the so-called Sermon on the Mount Blessed are the […]
Read More September Sojourn: The PeacemakersA few years ago we were studying the Beatitudes. One my favourites remains the one that goes blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God. I was sitting listening to a conversation take place, and that very verse came to mind. In relationships, in times of contention, what do we […]
Read More What Makes For PeaceNeutrality is a wonderful idea. The thought that you’re not involved in either side and will not be drawn to pick sides, but maintain a position beyond the fray has its merits. It’s a lovely idea because it is there to give people an out from something they’d prefer to avoid. Neutrality, however, is not […]
Read More Part of the Solution Not the Problem
Life With CD 